episode_0006

…The official duties that started in the morning continued until late at night.

The final decision-making authority for all projects in the northern region lies with the Grand Duke, Rhaeos. It was only natural for someone in such a position to take a whole two weeks off, not just a day or two.

However, there was one fortunate thing.

“─These are the results of the preliminary feasibility study for a total of 13 project proposals. There are no disqualifications or adjustments needed for the plans, and the magical tool project by Lady Senna is considered a special case and has been excluded from the investigation.”

“Hmm.”

The Grand Duke’s secretary, Bertholdt, was assisting him and proved to be highly capable.

As a mere figurehead lord, I only needed to nod my head beside him.

“After reviewing everything, I request your signature, Your Grace.”

With those words, documents were presented to me.

Of course, I didn’t even spare a glance at the text and quickly scribbled my signature.

Although I had listened to supplementary explanations about the projects for nearly half a day, approving them took less than a minute.

I wonder if this is really okay, but honestly, what do I know even if I review them?

“Was there any falsehood in your statement?”

I simply asked, and Bertholdt bowed deeply before answering.

“I, Bertholdt, can proudly say that I have never lied to my lord even once.”

“In that case, it’s fine. I trust your competence completely.”

Saying so, I finished signing the documents and handed them over.

“M-My Lord, this is too hasty.”

Bertholdt raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly surprised. He stumbled over his words.

To someone who had become accustomed to the Grand Duke’s autocratic nature and constant suspicion, the word “trust” itself seemed quite unfamiliar.

“…Beside the former Emperor, there was a trusted advisor named Lian Jaesang. It is said that his contributions were significant in this country’s early establishment of national power.”

“Yes, I am aware of that story as well.”

“Bertholdt, you are my Lian Jaesang.”

“─.”

At that moment, Bertholdt’s expression became extremely subtle.

In the game, the old man who was an emotionless robot in the guise of a bookseller seemed capable of making such expressions.

“Step back now. I will undoubtedly remember your dedication as a lord.”

“…Truly admirable. Bertholdt, I will continue to serve His Excellency with all my might.”

With those words, Bertholdt bowed deeply and left after paying his respects.

Later, it was reported that his torn resignation letter was found near the garbage dump close to Yeongjuseong.

***

Bosillob, the southernmost region of Roengreen Territory – the best land for gold in the north.

During the freezing winter, Laura’s carriage and the procession of soldiers briefly stopped there.

Despite only traveling for half a day, the soldiers were all exhausted.

It was a natural result. The extreme cold of the north, which could freeze even hibernating animals, was not something a mere human could adapt to.

“…I made them suffer unnecessarily.”

Muttering to herself, Laura headed straight for Bosillob’s garrison.

“Oh, Lady Laura! Welcome!”

Avijof, the knight guarding Bosillob.

Now an old man well past his sixties, he greeted the eldest daughter with an especially friendly face.

Since there had been reports that the first lady would visit, he didn’t show any signs of surprise at first glance.

“Please, come inside quickly. We have prepared everything for you to warm up.”

“I deeply appreciate your cooperation, Sir Avijof.”

Avijof led Laura to the reception room while walking ahead.

Following behind, Laura gestured for the soldiers to disperse throughout the garrison.

“The weather in the north has been particularly harsh lately, and dangerous monsters have been constantly appearing, so I’ve been more worried than ever. Have you encountered any major troubles on your way to the territory?”

Avijof asked in a very kind voice.

Although he wasn’t generally an affectionate person, Laura had always been a cute granddaughter to him. This was because he had once served as the tutor for the noble ladies’ household.

“I haven’t. If I have to mention something… it would be that the roads were all frozen, making travel quite inconvenient.”

“Haha, that’s a chronic disease of this land. Luckily, it was just the regular snow removal day the day before yesterday. If you had arrived a little later, you would have been stuck here for quite a while.”

While laughing heartily, Avijov added, “By the way, Your Highness, is everything alright?”

…On the other hand, he saw through Laura’s expression with his keen eyes.

It was a scene where one couldn’t help but suspect the inner thoughts of the first princess.

Especially when opinions criticizing the Duke’s seclusion were rampant in the capital.

Despite Your Highness issuing a summons to celebrate, didn’t he explicitly say that he wouldn’t bring fifty elites and go straight to Yeongjuseong?

“Is that what my father said? I only exchanged brief greetings, so I don’t know deeply, but he seemed fine.”

“I see, that’s truly fortunate.”

Avijov responded with a deep smile, playing along.

However, it wasn’t a mask to deceive his eldest daughter. The fact was that he was genuinely delighted to reunite with the disciple he had personally taught long ago.

He once again gently observed Laura.

As if he were a grandfather curious about his granddaughter’s interests.

“I was worried because I heard you brought fifty guards, thinking something big happened at Yeongjuseong… But since nothing happened, there’s no greater sight for this old man who serves the Duke.”

Of course, he didn’t simply hand over soldiers without any thought.

In secret, he ordered to secretly detain Lady Laura during the mock battle and immediately separate her from His Highness.

If she made a wrong judgment in that situation, he believed it was his duty to correct it without hesitation.

But seeing that not a single one of the fifty was killed or injured, it seemed that there was no need for such measures after all…

“It could have been a big problem.”

“…?”

“Literally, the northern region was about to be completely cut off by Laura’s hands.”

“──.”

With that casual remark, Avijov widened his eyes.

It wasn’t just a joke. It was exactly what Avijov had been concerned about.

The current situation of the Grand Duke’s family is quite precarious. With the accumulated grievances among the women and even negative public opinion about the system, it’s undermining the unity in the northern region…

However, Laura raised her teacup and spoke lazily.

“Lord Avijov, I have two questions that I’m curious about. If you’re still as sharp as ever, you should be able to give me a straightforward answer.”

“…Yes. If Lady Laura asks me a question, I will answer it without fail.”

Avijov immediately knelt down and assumed the posture of a knight.

The formality he displayed when speaking to a noblewoman was proof of the sincerity behind his words.

“First, among the prominent families of the system… particularly the ruling lady of the Pherain Viscountcy, can she become my ally?”

Upon that question, Avijov’s eyes widened once again.

“…”

The influential power of the system that was currently on the rise.

A formidable viscountess who could not only crush her enemies with force but also trample upon the authority of the Grand Duke, almost like a king of the north…

“You mean Elisha of Pherain.”

In response to the old man’s inquiry, Laura nodded slightly.

If it was about that woman, Avijov knew more about her than anyone else, except for Laios.

For decades, he had listened to countless rumors and firsthand accounts within the Grand Duke’s household, to the extent that he couldn’t count them all with his hands.

Soon, a fresh answer flowed from his lips.

“…That is impossible. No matter what happens.”

Quite literally, it was an impossible task.

Even temporarily associating with the Grand Duke was something she abhorred to the extreme, so how could she be an ally?

Without explicitly showing it, the Grand Duke himself and the three noble ladies would also be nothing more than thorns in her eyes.

She despised Laios to the point of hatred, even his bloodline.

“Lady Laura, you must also keep your distance from that woman. There is nothing good that can come from interacting with her.”

Upon Avijov’s frank advice, Laura’s expression momentarily turned desolate.

“Fine… That’s what you’re saying.”

With a thud, she placed her teacup on the table.

At the same time, silver hair began to wrap around the slender fingers. It was a subtly compulsive gesture.

Glancing at that sight, Avijof thought to himself.

Indeed, it seems that the fox-like woman had captivated the first princess—so it goes.

“In that case, I will continue to ask.”

“Yes.”

“In your opinion, how does my father treat this Laura?”

“…That is.”

Avijof understood well why his youngest daughter asked such a question.

This young lady must truly not trust her own father.

After all, it was Rhaeos who had mercilessly abused his eldest daughter since she was only six years old, destined to lead the Grand Duchy.

It wasn’t just a metaphor; it was as if she were livestock being raised without any dignity.

For ten years, with her neck tightly gripped in the hands of her demon-like father, she was forced to imbibe nothing but the virtues of the next heir.

There would be no trace of affection or memories in her already cold and hardened heart.

Not only did she fail to receive recognition for her hard work, but she was also driven away as she couldn’t meet the expectations of His Excellency the Grand Duke…

“…”

Avijof closed his eyes slightly and pondered.

True to his nickname as the devil of the north, Rhaeos was an incredibly cruel man.

It wasn’t just because he couldn’t be honest as a father, but because he truly saw the noble ladies as nothing more than his puppets.

However…

How could he possibly reveal such a repulsive and cruel truth to a young lady who was like his own granddaughter?

Soon, Avijof cautiously opened his mouth.

“His Excellency the Grand Duke often appears harsh, which has earned him the reputation of a tyrant… But in reality, he is a person with deep depths like a lake.”

“…”

“I’m sure His Excellency holds Lady Laura in high regard as an excellent eldest daughter.”

“Is that truly the case?”

“Yes. Avijof would never lie to Lady Laura.”

The old man’s eyebrows, responding so promptly, momentarily shot up.

“In that case, it’s settled.”

Laura didn’t show a satisfied expression.

Her innocent smile contained no hint of suspicion towards the departed figure before her.

“I highly appreciate your wisdom and insight. If your eyes reflect the same, then it must truly be so.”

“….”

As he looked at his softened daughter’s face, Avijof swallowed hard. It felt as if his heart was being torn apart.

Fear. So much fear.

How long can this old man’s messy deception continue to calm the young lady’s mind?

“…I will rent a spare room. It would be too risky to head to the inn at midnight.”

Laura said so with a solemn tone as she stood up from her seat. Her voice sounded somewhat excited.

Avijof also immediately stood up and nodded.

“Yes. Although it’s only for a short night, it is an infinite honor to have you stay here.”

“….What?”

Laura raised the corner of her mouth in a smug manner.

Although it was faint, it was truly a beautiful smile.

However, Avijof’s state of mind became even more confused as he looked at it.

“When day breaks, I will leave without saying goodbye. There is no need to pay special attention. Make sure to inform the soldiers as well.”

“I will follow your orders.”

After sending off his daughter like that.

“Ha-”

Avijof tightly gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist.

Within the trembling fist of the old man, the metal slid loudly and the iron clanked.

“…Why?”

Why am I so angry right now?

Is it because Avijof, despite being rotten and corrupt, still carries the dignity of a knight?

“That’s right.”

Even though the body has aged and become pitiful, this body is still that of a knight.

That’s why, I must raise my voice towards the Duke who has turned into a demon.

To prevent him from destroying the precious present by being bound by the past.

To prevent this humble old man from constantly telling despicable lies to the pitiful noble ladies who have never experienced love from their parents.

“Raios, you bastard…”

The well-being of an old age with no more light is probably irrelevant now.

Even if this body burns to ashes, someday I will confront you directly…